Computer headset microphones enable you to communicate with clients over the Internet, dictate documents using your voice and make audio recordings. While you could wait until you've called someone before verifying if your microphone works, it's always a good idea to check your audio equipment first. Windows has a free tool that can help you test headset microphones and compare their sound qualities.

Check Microphone Connections

When a microphone or other audio component fails, it may be difficult to find the cause because so many things can cause the problem. A software driver might need updating, the microphone may be broken or connections may be loose. If you have a USB headset, ensure that you've plugged it into one of your computer's USB ports securely. If you use a regular headset that has two 3.5mm plugs, insert the microphone plug into your sound card's Mic jack. If you fail to connect your headset to your computer properly, it will not detect sound coming from the microphone.

Test Using Sound Recorder

The Sound Recorder program that comes with Windows can help you create audio recordings and then save them to your hard drive. To see if your headset microphone is working, create a test recording by tapping or clicking the "All Apps" button on the Start screen, and then tapping or clicking "Sound Recorder." Tap or click "Start Recording" and speak for about 15 to 20 into your microphone. Tap or click "Stop Recording" to bring up a window that enables you to save your recording to a folder. Listen to the recording by launching Windows Explorer, finding the file you created, and then tapping or clicking the file to play it.

Audio Analysis

Your microphone is working if you hear your voice in the Sound Recorder file you've recorded. The recording plays in the default program that handles Windows Media Audio files; that program is often Windows Media Player. If you have more than one headset and want to use the one that has the best audio quality, create a separate recording for each microphone, and then compare the sound qualities of those recordings. Cheaper microphones that don't capture a wide range of frequencies sound "muddier" and less clear than higher quality mics.

Speech Recognition Testing

Speech recognition programs convert words that you speak into text. One way to increase the accuracy of these programs is to use the application’s audio setup tool. DragonNaturally Speaking's Check Microphone wizard, for instance, adjusts your microphone volume automatically as you speak a few words during the mic check. When dictating using a speech recognition program, position your headset microphone so that it is about an inch from your mouth. Ensure that the mic is to the side of the mouth instead of in front of it. If you use another speech recognition program that has an audio configuration tool, use it optimize your microphone sound volume.

Other Tests

Programs such as Skype give you the ability to test microphones by calling a special phone number. Test your mic by signing into your Skype account and selecting "Skype Test Call," which may also be called "Echo / Sound Test" or "Skype Test Call (echo123)." Tap or click "Call," and then follow the instructions to make a test call to an automated service. If it hears your voice correctly, it lets you know. When Skype reports a problem, check your Skype settings as well as the connections between your headset and computer.

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About the Author

After majoring in physics, Kevin Lee began writing professionally in 1989 when, as a software developer, he also created technical articles for the Johnson Space Center. Today this urban Texas cowboy continues to crank out high-quality software as well as non-technical articles covering a multitude of diverse topics ranging from gaming to current affairs.